Lakers can't allow Ricky Rubio to play pretty

Pau Gasol is something of a Ricky Rubio expert given how long Gasol and known and played with Rubio in Spain.

Rubio faces the Lakers at Staples Center on Wednesday night in their first game after the All-Star break, and Gasol said the key will be keeping Rubio's timing out of whack. Gasol said Rubio's gift is his ability to create "flow and get other people in rhythm."

The artful Rubio is averaging 11.3 points and 8.4 assists as a rookie but is shooting just 37.5 percent from the field. Gasol said the Lakers should try to "pressure him and force him to make shots."

Rubio shot 2 of 13 from the field in the Lakers' 106-101 victory in Minnesota on Jan. 29.

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